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If you’re looking for a polite topic of conversation to raise at your next gathering of word lovers, we’ve got just the ticket. The French word étiquette means “ticket”; its direct French ancestor also referred to a label attached to something for description or identification. Spaniards of the 16th-century adopted the French word (altering it to etiqueta), and used it to refer to the written protocols describing the behavior demanded of those who appeared at court. Eventually, etiqueta came to be applied to the court ceremonies themselves as well as to the documents which outlined their requirements. Word of this linguistic development got back to the French, who then expanded their word’s meaning to include “proper court behavior” along with its “label” sense. By the middle of the 18th century English speakers had taken on etiquette as their own, applying it to the rules that indicate the proper and polite way to behave, whether in the presence or royalty or not.
Examples of etiquette in a Sentence
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025
Massages, facials, water circuits, and cutting-edge technology set the tone for a great experience, but preparing in advance and understanding basic spa etiquette make the entire day more enjoyable.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and former flight attendant based in Florida, told Fox News Digital that placing feet on the airplane seats in front of you is generally considered poor etiquette.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Climbers learn mountain etiquette quickly.
—Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for etiquette
Cite this Entry
“Etiquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etiquette. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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